Best time to visit Kyoto
Best time of year to visit Kyoto
Mild periods from March to May and September to November are the best time to visit Kyoto. Cherry blossoms and tourist crowds fill the streets in April, so you should book accommodation well in advance. If you are a fan of festivals like Gion and Tanabata, the crowdless time between June and August will suit you best. Just mind that summers can get unbearably hot and humid, especially when the typhoon season kicks in. Autumn will stun you with red and orange hues and treat you with exotic fruits like kyoho, kaki or yuzu. Winter in Kyoto is cold, but it comes with a bonus—moderate rates in hotels, where your toes will get all the warmth they deserve.
15 THINGS TO DO IN KYOTO (MARCH 26 - APRIL 04)
Hanami Season
Enjoy the colorful sights of spring blossoms
Ume Blossom
The beautiful though often underappreciated blossom of the Japanese plum is one of the first signs of spring
Geisha Dances in Kyoto
Don't miss the chance to meet prominent Japanese Geishas while in Kyoto
Sagano Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama)
Mind visiting this bamboo grove to relax from the noisy city streets
Baseball Season
An American sport with a Japanese twist
Samurai Kembu (Sword Dance)
Learn about the Samurai culture and traditions at Kembu Theater in Kyoto
Strawberries
The unique Japanese strawberries make for great romantic gifts
Hanami Dango
Thanks to this traditional Japanese dessert you will be able to feel cherry blossoms with all your five senses
Kusa Mochi
Traditionally eaten in spring, "grass mochi" is a true delight
Fukinoto
Taste this true sign of spring
Cherry Blossom
View stunning sakura blossoms with UNESCO world heritage sites on a backdrop
Tea Ceremony
Kyoto is the magical place where tea ceremonies were born, so be sure to check out the best tea houses in the city
Onsen (Hot Springs)
One of the best ways to relax after a busy day of sightseeing
Hiking
Marvellous mountains, hills, crystal blue lakes, rivers and waterfalls, multiple spiritual temples and shrines—all of this awaits you in the Kyoto area
Hozu-Gawa River Boat Ride
The perfect activity for a nature lover with plenty to see and explore
30 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Tanabata Festival
out of rangeCelebrated nationwide, this festival brings colour and romance to daily life!
Daimonji or Gozan no Okuribi
out of rangeEnormous characters set afire to guide ancestors to the other world
Azaleas
out of rangeA colourful miracle of spring!
Obon Matsuri
out of rangeFeel the spirituality of the Japanese Buddhist festival of the Dead
Jidai Matsuri (Festival)
out of rangeAn ancient costume procession that cannot be missed
Aoi Matsuri (Festival)
out of rangeGo back to ancient Kyoto and take in the real atmosphere of imperial culture
Kinkan
out of rangeA small fruit with a sweet peel
Autumn Foliage (Kōyō)
out of rangeThis is a magical time when all parks, temples, shrines and gardens explode into red and orange hues
Kyoto Higashiyama Hanatouro
unconfirmedThis unusual event creates a dreamy and magical atmosphere around Higashiyama
Inago
out of rangeThis insect dish is available in jars or freshly boiled and prepared over rice during winter
Toshikoshi Soba
out of rangeTraditional noodles for a great New Year's meal
Yabusame Shinji
out of rangeCheck out unique Japanese sports of mounted archery at Yabusame Shinji
Kakigori or Shaved Ice
out of rangeSuffering from intense summer heat? Cool down with delicious Kakigori
Kaki
out of rangeAn autumn fruit with a woody texture
Ume
out of rangeWell-known for their blossoms, umes are Japanese plums
Kichiji
out of rangeA small fish with a great taste
Sunakake Matsuri
out of rangeHave you ever dreamt of going back to your childhood and starting a sand fight?
Yuzu
out of rangeUsed mostly for cooking, this citrus fruit has a unique taste
Fuji Apples
out of rangeThese special Japanese apples are both sweet and juicy
Satonishiki Cherries
out of rangeA bright red and luxurious variety of cherry
Sea Cucumber
out of rangeThough not too pleasing to the eye, these creatures are a true delicacy
Gion Matsuri (Festival)
out of rangeThis month of rituals and traditions can't be missed during your Kyoto vacation
Kyoho
out of rangeJapanese grapes with a thick skin
Eel
out of rangeIn Japan summer means eel time!
Nabemono or Nabe
out of rangeTry this Japanese hot pot dish when it's cold outside
Nashi Pears
out of rangeSimilar to apples in taste and texture, Japanese pears are large and crispy
Asparagus
out of rangeYou will find it everywhere during this season!
Water Lilies Season
out of rangeThe rainy season is the perfect time for nature fans to be in Kyoto
Kurama Fire Festival
out of rangeA local event where the village becomes one big family
Mikan
out of rangeA citrus fruit that is easy to peel
